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Rafting Expeditions in Luxury on Cataract Canyon
Colorado
USA
The Expeditions in Luxury Experience:
From the beginning of the trip, you will find yourself seduced by the pace of the river while absorbing beautiful scenery, and enjoying the camaraderie of interesting people. Shortly after the confluence of the Colorado and Green Rivers, a series of steep descents and powerful whitewater known as the Mile-Long Rapid begins. Then comes the Big Drops: Little Niagara and Satan's Gut ~ during high water, the waves are gigantic.
The "Expeditions in Luxury" trips are the highest quality adventure in the river rafting industry. These comfortable river expeditions allow you to experience the rugged beauty of the Colorado River while wrapped in the extravagance of a hotel.
From the beginning of the trip, you will find yourself seduced by the pace of the river. Absorb beautiful scenery, benefit from the camaraderie of interesting people and enjoy civilized comforts in a remote setting. This world-class nature tour is breathtaking.
Cataract Canyon is the first canyon of the Grand Canyons of the Colorado River. It is historically and geologically amazing, the rapids dazzling, and the hikes soul stirring. This one-of-a-kind rafting expedition takes you through Canyonlands National Park in warm and sunny southern Utah.
Spend your days rafting through the pristine Colorado River canyons; as early evening draws near, pull up to a private beach that will be quickly transformed into your river hotel. Relax by the water enjoying delicious hors d'oeuvres and chilled drinks. While the camp staff finishes setting up your tents, the trained River Chef is putting the final touches on a fabulous dinner. All of your dinners will be at linen covered tables with unbeatable views!
From oversized tents to linen covered tables and gourmet meals prepared by your Chef, combined with mind-boggling vistas and spectacular sunsets-this adventure provides the full enjoyment of the rugged outdoors while wrapped in Luxury. Indulge.
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Meeting:
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rafting office in Moab , Utah
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Airport:
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Moab, Grand Junction, Las Vegas
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Transfer:
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
Max
16 riders
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Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2010
Rates include:
All gourmet meals starting lunch day 1 through lunch the last day. Iced water, Gatorade and Lemonade. Coffee, an assortment of teas, hot chocolate, and juices in the mourning.Beer and wine at dinner. All rafting and safety equipment including lifejackets and dry bags. Professionally trained and licensed Guides. All gourmet meals starting lunch day 1 through lunch the last day. Personal river chef. Large tents, cots, fresh sleeping bags, pillows, and a sheet. Camp assistants that setup and take down.
| A | 2010 | 6 day luxury trip through Cataract Canyon | 6d / 5n | $1800 |
| B | 2010 | 4 day luxury trip through Westwater Canyon | 4d / 3n | $1199 |
Tax:
6
%
Transfer Option:
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2010
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Transferout from office in Moab to the river is included - the return flight is not
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$0
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2010
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Return Senic Flight to Moab for 6 day trip ~
- to be paid locally
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$165
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You will need to be able to get to the rafting office in Moab for the orientation the night before the trip
It is recommended to arrive the night before and make a hotel reservation.
Transportation at the start of the trip is offered from the rafting office in Moab. The return at the end of the trip is a flight from Hite (extra cost) We offer the return options of a scenic flight ($140.00/person) or having your car shuttled to the take-out ($300.00/vehicle).
We provide transportation from the Moab Airport back to our office after the Cataract Canyon rafting trips.
Rates do not include:
Return flight. Taxes
Orientation
We hold a pre-trip orientation the evening before the trip launches. Here you will meet one of your guides, sign your release forms, receive your dry bags (river luggage), learn what to expect and how to prepare, and ask questions. The orientation is held at our office in Moab
Camping In Style
Camps are on beautiful sandy beaches. The supply raft arrives at camp and creates a river lounge, restaurant and tent bungalows. Our private river chef begins the evening’s dining presentation. Enjoy a cool beverage on the riverbank in comfy chairs. Dine at sunset on linen clad, candle lit tables. We depart every morning after a healthy and hearty breakfast. Camp assistants will take down the camp and off we go on the day’s adventure.
We are renowned for combining luxury comforts with the most beautiful nature in the world. By day the raft is the mode-of-travel, drifting you past incredible scenery and historic places. By night the dining is on linen covered tables on sandy beaches. The meals are prepared by our expert chef and served at sunset. Sleeping quarters are in oversized tents erected by camp staff and include comfy cot beds, tables and night lights.
The guides, the chef and camp attendants will do all the work leaving you time to hike, explore and relax. Each evening your dedicated camp staff establishes camp on the riverbank.
From the oversized tents to linen covered tables and gourmet meals prepared by your chef, combined with mind-boggling vistas and spectacular sunsets-this adventure provides the full enjoyment of the rugged outdoors while wrapped in Luxury. Indulge.
Rafting Cataract Canyon
The expedition begins at 7:30 AM at our office. We then drive a few miles south of Moab and launch into the mighty Colorado. Within a short time we enter the imposing, humbling landscape of Canyonlands National Park. Camp is on a remote beach, with time to hike and/or relax with hors d’oeuvres and cool drinks as the chef prepares a delightful dinner. Each day, as evening yields to night and the sun melts from the sky, it is replaced by a vivid star show that enhances the evolving conversations you will share with the other guests and your guides.
The character of the Colorado River varies with changes in water flow. Depending on snow pack, the river fluctuates dramatically from year to year and month to month. Cataract Canyon presents some of the biggest and most challenging rapids in the United States from mid-May to mid-June. After June, the water flow decreases and the rapids become more moderate and family friendly.
You don't have to be an experienced whitewater rafter to enjoy the thrill of the exciting rapids in Cataract Canyon. If you have never rafted or camped before, rest assured that we are professionals at making your trip comfortable, fascinating, and safe. Our multi-talented guides are extremely good at helping you enjoy your river vacation.
Whitewater
By the end of the second you will sense the anticipation of the group rising as the rapids near. The guides take time to teach you how to enjoy the rapids safely. Then the fun begins. Everyone has their place, their instructions, and the guides focus on the rapids. For the next day or more, you will experience the thrill of a lifetime!
Journey’s End
As we leave the whitewater, the Colorado River slides its way into Lake Powell and we start the outboard motor to scoot across the lake to our take-out. After pulling the rafts and gear from the lake, the guides escort guests up to the landing strip for the return flight to Moab (the suggested return option). This is no ordinary flight back, this is a scenic flight over Canyonlands National Park and the river you just rafted ~ the perfect end to the perfect vacation.
History
In the 1930’s, the Grand Canyon extended 550 miles from Moab to Lake Mead. In the 1960’s Glen Canyon Dam formed Lake Powell, and Cataract Canyon was separated from the Grand Canyon. This 100 mile stretch of the Colorado River, south of Moab, has some of the most colorful and interesting river history on the entire Colorado River.
Cataract Canyon became part of Canyonlands National Park in 1964. There are numerous secluded Ancient Pueblo sites along the river. You will get a chance to ponder the disappearance of these ancient peoples while exploring their 800 year old dwellings.
Major John Wesley Powell named Cataract Canyon after his monumental 1869 expedition down the Green and Colorado Rivers. You will get a chance to see inscriptions that he and other early river runners left behind while navigating Cataract’s challenging rapids.
Canyonlands is also home of many legendary outlaw hideouts. One of the most famous is Robber’s Roost where Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch would lay low between robberies.
Geology
There are numerous secluded geological sites along the river. Cataract Canyon is a geologist's paradise. You will see 300 million years of rock history in a glance. Throughout time the river has sliced through this rock and left it exposed for all to see. These multi-colored layers of rock sparkle in the warm Utah sun, creating spectacular sunsets and photos.
Wildlife
The canyon hosts an extraordinary diversity of plants and animals that live in many climatic environments. Wildlife is abundant in this region, though often shy. One of the West’s largest herds of Desert Big Horn Sheep resides in the canyon. During the heat of the day lizards sun themselves while eagles, vultures, ravens, and hawks soar on thermal airstreams along the canyon walls. In the morning and evening, deer, muskrat, beaver, coyote and the great blue heron move along the river's edge.
Group Size
We believe in protecting the environment and enhancing your vacation. This is why we rarely do trips larger than 25 people. Most of our trips are 10-15 people in size. On our multi-day trips there will never be more than 5 guests on each oarboat. With small groups you will get the attention you deserve and the chance to know all the guides and other guests.
Our Guides
Our guides are professional, exceptional people with outstanding talents, who are eager to share their knowledge, experience, and enjoyment of life in the outdoors. They continually strive to perfect their understanding of our wilderness and its secrets. This is their way of life, and their passion is to share this adventurous way of life with you.
Our guides’ objective is to help you have fun. However, you can rest assured that your safety is their top priority and you will observe this in their behavior as well as their expectations of you. They are Red Cross First Aid and CPR certified, and have completed river rescue training. They are required to complete hours of training on each river stretch before they can “guide” our guests. If you are like most people, you will marvel at the quality of their work, while feeling as if you have just made a new friend.
Meeting:
rafting office in Moab , Utah
Airport:
Moab, Grand Junction, Las Vegas
You will need to be able to get to the rafting office in Moab for the orientation the night before the trip
It is recommended to arrive the night before and make a hotel reservation.
Transportation at the start of the trip is offered from the rafting office in Moab. The return at the end of the trip is a flight from Hite (extra cost) We offer the return options of a scenic flight ($140.00/person) or having your car shuttled to the take-out ($300.00/vehicle).
We provide transportation from the Moab Airport back to our office after the Cataract Canyon rafting trips.
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Tack:
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Horses:
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Pace:
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Your Vacation is our priority: whether you are a novice camper or a great outdoorsman, our goal is to help each guest enjoy their river vacation.
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Level:
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(1
to
2
out of 5)
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Age:
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Min
10
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
16 riders
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Passport and Visa Requirements:
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the. more
You can expect warm, sunny, delightful days in Southeastern Utah. In April through June, high temperatures range between 70 and 90. July and August high temperatures typically range between 90 and 100, with September and October temperatures ranging between 70 and 80. The climate here is very dry with little humidity and not oppressively sweltering. Summer evenings are quite comfortable though cool in spring and fall. Other than an occasional rain cloud, there are few overcast days.
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*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
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We provide enough civilization for anyone to be comfortable on our river rafting trips. Great meals, cozy sleeping bags, comfortable chairs and professional service-oriented guides create a relaxing and comfortable camp setting, complimenting the relaxed pace of the day's river rafting activities. From the first call to last meal the SGE team is the friendliest, most competent and fun group of professional travel associates in the business.
RELAX: In the Comfort of our cozy chairs, sit-down dining and fabulous meals. Your Vacation is our priority: whether you are a novice camper or a great outdoorsman, our goal is to help each guest enjoy their river vacation.
Camps are on beautiful sandy beaches. The supply raft arrives at camp and creates a river lounge, restaurant and tent bungalows. Our private river chef begins the evening’s dining presentation. Enjoy a cool beverage on the riverbank in comfy chairs. Dine at sunset on linen clad, candle lit tables. We depart every morning after a healthy and hearty breakfast. Camp assistants will take down the camp and off we go on the day’s adventure.
The meals are prepared by our expert chef and served at sunset. Sleeping quarters are in oversized tents erected by camp staff and include comfy cot beds, tables and night lights.
The guides, the chef and camp attendants will do all the work leaving you time to hike, explore and relax. Each evening your dedicated camp staff establishes camp on the riverbank.
From the oversized tents to linen covered tables and gourmet meals prepared by your chef, combined with mind-boggling vistas and spectacular sunsets-this adventure provides the full enjoyment of the rugged outdoors while wrapped in Luxury. Indulge.
|
Tack:
|
|
|
|
Horses:
|
|
|
|
Pace:
|
|
Your Vacation is our priority: whether you are a novice camper or a great outdoorsman, our goal is to help each guest enjoy their river vacation.
|
|
Level:
|
|
(1
to
2
out of 5)
|
|
Age:
|
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Min
10
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Riders:
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Min
4 riders
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Max
16 riders
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Passports
Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart ; validity varies - for most countries the passport must be valid for at least six months from the date on which the holder enters the USA. If not, the holder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport; check with the embassy (see Contact Addresses).
Passport Note
(a) For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program (see below), passports must be valid for at least 90 days from date of entry.
(b) All travellers entering the USA under the Visa Waiver Program require individual machine-readable passports. Children included on a parent's passport also now require their own machine-readable passport. Travellers not in possession of machine-readable passports will require a valid USA entry visa.
(c) Passports issued on or after 26 October 2005 will need to have a biometric identifier in order for the holder to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Machine-readable passports issued between 26 October 2005 and 25 October 2006 require a digital photograph printed on the data page or an integrated chip with information from the data page. Machine-readable passports issued on or after 26 October 2006 will require an integrated chip with information from the data page (e-passport).
The US has announced new measures that require all travellers to provide details online 72 hours prior to travel.
ESTA: The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) came into force on 12 January 2009. It is a fully automated, electronic system for screening passengers before they begin travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. ESTA applications must be submitted at least 72 hours before travel to the USA. Some websites may charge you for the service but you can apply online for free at www.dhs.gov. The granting of an ESTA does not guarantee entry to the USA.
New Requirements for Travellers: As of 23 January 2007 all persons, including US citizens, travelling by air between the USA and Canada, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport, or other approved document, when entering or re-entering the USA. Similar requirements for those travelling by land or sea will be introduced on 1 June 2009.
For further details about the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, visit the website of the US Department of State: (website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html).
Visas
Not required by nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to 90 days except:
1. nationals of Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic, who do require a visa.
Visa Note
(a) Landed Immigrants of Canada and British residents of Bermuda who are citizens of, and have valid passports from, Commonwealth countries or Ireland are not eligible to enter the USA without a visa. (b) All passengers using US airports for transit purposes are required to obtain a transit visa. This does not affect qualified travellers travelling visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. (d) To qualify for visa-free travel under the Visa Waiver Program, nationals must travel on a valid passport, for holiday, transit or business purposes only and for a stay not exceeding 90 days. (e) Passengers must have the full address and ZIP code of where they are staying in the USA to be able to fully complete the I-94W form. Note: Airlines are also required to collect passenger details, including the address of their first night's accommodation in the USA, before they board the aircraft. (f) 2. Holders of UK passports with the endorsement British Subject, British Dependent Territories Citizen, British Protected Person, British Overseas Citizen or British National (Overseas) Citizen do not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program. A passport which states holder has right of abode or indefinite leave to remain in the UK does not qualify for visa free travel. (g) A visa does not expire with the expiry of the holder’s passport. An unexpired, endorsed visa in an expired passport may be presented for entry into the USA, as long as the visa itself has not been cancelled, is undamaged, is less than 10 years old and is presented with a valid non-expired passport, provided that both passports are for the same nationality. (h) Nationals of countries not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).
Types of Visa and Cost
Tourist, Business, Transit and Student: US$131.
Validity
Visas may be used for travel to the USA until the date it expires. Some visas are valid for multiple entries. The length of stay in the USA is determined by US immigration officials at the time of entry but is generally six months; there is, however, no set time.
Applications to:
Embassy or consulate (see Contact Addresses).
Working Days Required
Usually five after interview. Some cases may take up to 12 weeks – check with embassy/consulate.
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
No/2 |
| Australian |
No |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
No |
| USA |
N/A |
| Other EU |
Yes |
This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not
take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult
the embassy or consulate for updated info.
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Rafting Expeditions in Luxury on Cataract Canyon
Tour Code:
ZZ-RAFTS-08
6 days /
5 nights
~$1,800.00
Dates :
May to Aug
Difficulty :
Lodging:
Introduction
Day to Day Itinerary
Rates | Dates
Accomodation
Tack:
Horses:
Pace:
Your Vacation is our priority: whether...
Airport:
Moab, Grand Junction, Las Vegas
Location on Google Map
Image Gallery
Image Slide Show
Customer Trip Rating
Climate
What To Bring
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